Sapo to discontinue local tax at Phesama gate

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 30 (EMN): The Southern Angami Public Organisation (Sapo) has unanimously decided to stop collecting local tax in the southern Angami region with effect from October 1 in the interest of the public.

In a letter to the chief secretary of Nagaland, Sapo stated that the decision to discontinue the local tax at Phesama gate was taken at the meeting of the 13 villages along with federating units under Sapo at Jakhama village headquarters on September 18.

It said the local tax had served as catalyst and a legal source of revenue for the Sapo since the British era and the collected amount had been utilised for the purpose of the humanity and developmental activities, but had decided to forego the same in the interest of the public.

“However, due to various restrictions from the government and various local bodies on taxation, the organisation has decided to support the stand of anti-taxation movement of the people and the government policies on taxation restriction and hereby, a decision was taken to suspend immediately for indefinite period on Sapo local tax gate and thereby, would also appeal your authority to re-examine all form of taxations within the southern areas NH- 29 by applying your wisdom judiciously,” read the letter to the chief secretary.

The organisation also said that it would take stern action if found collecting any form of tax in the name of any organisation.

 In this regard, it requested the people to inform them if they come across any person demanding tax in its jurisdiction.